Foundations For Life School

School pre-registration inspection report

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Foundations For Life School Essex House, Bridle Road, Bootle, Merseyside L30 4XS

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1), 2(1)(b)(ii), 2(2)–2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(h)–2(2)(i)  The proprietor has prepared a curriculum policy that embodies a set of aims for the curriculum. The policy sets out the expectation that school leaders are responsible for ensuring that this curriculum is implemented as intended.  The school has developed plans and schemes of work for all subjects. It has set out some of the key knowledge that pupils will learn and the order in which this will be taught. However, these plans and schemes of work lack the ambition needed to ensure that pupils will achieve their full potential. These do not take account the ages, aptitudes and needs of pupils, including those pupils with an education, health and care (EHC) plan.  Pupils in key stage 4 will have access to academic and vocational qualifications. For example, pupils will be able to sit examinations in mathematics, science and English.

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Main inspection findings

However, leaders have not devised a curriculum that will prepare pupils effectively for all of the qualifications that they intend to offer.  Pupils’ personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education will be taught through timetabled lessons. There is an appropriate scheme of work for PSHE education which shows the important knowledge that pupils will acquire over time. There is a suitable emphasis on health, well-being and relationships.  Leaders do not have well-developed plans for providing pupils from Year 8 with impartial, accurate, up-to-date careers guidance about a broad range of career options. This is likely to limit pupils’ understanding of the opportunities available to them beyond school. Paragraph 2A(1), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d)–2A(3)  There is a policy statement setting out the school’s aims for relationships and sex education. It is intended that pupils will learn about all of the protected characteristics

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Main inspection findings

as set out in the Equality Act 2010. However, this policy has not been developed in line with the current statutory guidance. This policy does not specify how the school will consult with parents and carers of pupils before making any changes or revisions. The school has not ensured that the policy statement is placed on the proposed school’s website. Paragraph 3, 3(a)–3(j)  The curriculum in some subjects is at a very early stage of development. In these subjects, the curriculum contains limited information for teachers about the key knowledge that pupils should be taught. This is likely to hinder pupils’ progress in these subjects.  The school has not considered how it will ensure that the teaching methods and activities selected to deliver the intended curriculum will be effective. Furthermore, leaders have not ensured that staff will have the necessary subject expertise and subject-specific training that they need to deliver the curriculum effectively. This is

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Main inspection findings

likely to impact on how well the curriculum is delivered by staff.  The proprietor has ensured that classrooms are designated for specific subjects such as computer science and food technology. The classrooms and teaching spaces are resourced to a high standard with a range of appropriate equipment.  The school intends that teachers will carry out assessments to establish pupils’ starting points when pupils join the proposed school. Leaders will use these initial assessments to inform how pupils are grouped and taught. Teachers will check what pupils know and can remember regularly. This information will be used to inform future teaching.  There is a behaviour policy in place. The policy outlines how pupils are expected to behave. It sets out examples of unacceptable behaviour and how this will be addressed. It also outlines leaders’ commitment to ensuring that all staff adopt a positive approach to improving pupils’ behaviour.

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Main inspection findings

Paragraph 4  The school has ensured that there is a suitable assessment policy in place.  The policy outlines how pupil performance will be monitored and shared with parents.  It is unlikely that the independent school standards (‘the standards’) in this part will be met if the proposed school opens. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5, 5(a)–5(d)  The school has given consideration to pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development through the PSHE education, the wider curriculum and through enrichment activities. Pupils will learn about different faiths and cultures. They will also learn about fundamental British values, such as the rule of law, individual liberty and democracy. The school intends to provide enrichment opportunities for pupils. These activities will include plentiful trips and visits, and visitors to the school.  The school’s policies include positive references to all of the protected characteristics

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Main inspection findings

as set out in legislation. The curriculum provides opportunities for pupils to discuss local and national events, and to give them a balance of opposing views. Pupils will learn how to keep themselves safe, including online. The school intends that this will help pupils to make responsible and safe choices in their future lives.  The standard in this part is likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The proprietor has not put in place the necessary arrangements to safeguard pupils and to promote their welfare at the proposed school. A safeguarding policy that provides general guidance for staff to follow is in place. For example, the policy explains the procedure for reporting any concerns that staff may have about the welfare of a pupil. However, the policy has not been developed in line with the current statutory guidance for safeguarding pupils. Neither the proprietor nor the school have

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Main inspection findings

a strong understanding of this statutory guidance. Some important arrangements, that are required, have not been carefully planned or documented. For example, the school has not detailed how they will ensure that any pupils with additional vulnerabilities will be kept safe.  The proprietor has planned for a designated safeguarding lead and designated deputy safeguarding leads in the school’s proposed staffing structure. There are arrangements in place for these designated staff to undertake appropriate training. However, no staff currently have the required training, knowledge or expertise to effectively carry out these roles. The school intends for all staff to receive safeguarding training during their induction, but it has not planned when this will be or who will deliver it. Paragraphs 9, 9(a)–9(c), 10  The proprietor has an appropriate behaviour and anti-bullying policy in place. Both of these policies outline the actions that leaders will take to address any incidents of

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Main inspection findings

unacceptable behaviour or bullying, including appropriate and proportionate sanctions.  Leaders have established a system for staff to record and report any incidents of poor behaviour or bullying. Leaders intend to use the same recording system for staff to report and record any safeguarding concerns that they may have. This is so that leaders can cross-reference these records to build a bigger picture of each pupil and to respond appropriately where concerns arise. Paragraphs 11, 12  The proprietor has written a suitable health and safety policy. It complies with all relevant laws.  Staff new to the school will complete health and safety training, such as manual- handling, fire-safety and risk assessment training as part of the induction process. Leaders have made appropriate arrangements to ensure that the school’s computer network has suitable monitoring and filtering systems in place. These will enable

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Main inspection findings

leaders to assure themselves that pupils are safe when they are working online.  Leaders have ensured that in the building where the proposed school will operate, that there are a range of measures in place to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. For example, there are fire extinguishers which will be checked regularly, all staff will be trained as fire wardens and there are planned regular fire drills. There is appropriate signage around the building identifying emergency routes and exits. Paragraph 13  The proprietor has drafted a first-aid policy and has made arrangements to ensure that all staff will be suitably qualified to administer first aid. Paragraph 14  The proposed number of staff is sufficient to ensure that pupils will be appropriately supervised throughout the school day. Pupils will always be supervised, including at breaktimes, when arriving at school and when undertaking visits off site, for example

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Main inspection findings

to local sports facilities. Paragraph 15  Leaders have a suitable draft admissions policy, which they are developing in collaboration with the local authority. Leaders have established systems to ensure that the school’s admission and attendance registers will comply with the Education (Pupil Registration) Regulations 2006.  Leaders have an appropriate system in place to register pupils’ attendance each day. This system allows leaders to monitor any absences effectively. They intend to take swift and appropriate action, when required. Leaders intend for staff to work with pupils with poor attendance to re-engage them in education. Parents will receive information about their child’s attendance in school reports. Paragraph 16, 16(a), 16(b)  Leaders have a suitable risk assessment policy in place. The risk assessments that have already been completed show how leaders plan to take appropriate actions to

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Main inspection findings

minimise risks to pupils. These include risk assessments for trips and visits out of school and to ensure that the school building remains safe.  Some of the standards in this part are unlikely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraphs 17, 18(2), 18(2)(a)–18(2)(e), 18(3), 19(2), 19(2)(a)–19(2)(d)(ii), 19(3), 20(6), 20(6)(a)–20(6)(c), 21(1)–21(5)(a)(ii), 21(5)(c), 21(6)  There is no single central record in place. The proprietor does not have a clear understanding of all of the required checks on the suitability of staff that must be completed before staff take up appointment. Some of the required checks have not been completed for current staff members and members of the proprietor body.  Leaders have not completed safer recruitment training. The proprietor does not have checks in place to ensure that safer recruitment processes are followed appropriately.

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Main inspection findings

 The standards in this part are unlikely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 25  The proposed school is housed in a former school building which has been fully renovated and refurbished. The layout of the building has been carefully considered to ensure that there are appropriately designated spaces. For example, there are several classrooms, a library space, as well as office and storage spaces, including a suitable space for a secure exams cupboard to be installed. A large indoor activity hall has been fitted with interactive technology to support teaching in a range of subjects. The proprietor has refurbished the building to a high standard. Paragraphs 23(1)-23(1)(c), 28(1)-28(2)(b)  The proprietor has made arrangements to ensure that pupils will have access to drinking-water throughout the day.  There are separate toilet facilities for male and female pupils. Toilet cubicles can be

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Main inspection findings

locked from the inside to provide privacy. There is a supply of hot and cold running water. The hot water does not pose a scald risk. The proprietor has made arrangements for a suitable toilet and washing facility on the ground floor to be provided for the use of disabled pupils and adults. The proprietor has ensured that there is a shower available for pupils to use. Paragraph 24  There is a designated room for the short-term care of sick and injured pupils. There is a sink in this room as well as a bed and first-aid cabinet. There is a toilet located nearby. Paragraphs 26, 27–27(b), 29(1)–29(1)(b)  Pupils will have access to a safe outdoor space. They will also have timetabled physical education lessons in accordance with the school’s curriculum. Leaders plan to use facilities at the local sports centre. They will have risk assessments in place to ensure the safety of pupils when travelling to and from this site, and when using

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Main inspection findings

these facilities.  Teaching spaces have suitable lighting and acoustics. There is appropriate external lighting so that pupils, staff and visitors can enter or exit the building safely in the hours of darkness.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1)–32(1)(c), 32(1)(f)–32(1)(i), 32(1)(k), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b)– 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(c), 32(2)(d), 32(3)–32(3)(g)  The proprietor is near to completing the setting up of a school website that will contain all of the required information. Leaders are aware of all the information that they are required to publish on the proposed school’s website.  There is a suitable range of information available for parents and pupils when they join the school. Policies are in place and they are available on request. These include the curriculum, behaviour and safeguarding policies.  Leaders intend to provide the necessary information to the responsible local authorities for those pupils with an EHC plan.  Leaders intend to provide termly and annual reports on pupils’ progress, attainment, attendance and behaviour to parents. Leaders are aware that following any inspection, copies of the report must be provided to parents and published on the

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Main inspection findings

school’s website.  The standards in this part are likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33–33(k)  The proprietor has a suitable complaints policy. It includes appropriate timescales for responding to complaints and includes information about the storage and sharing of written records. The policy ensures that the procedure for making a complaint is transparent.  The standard in this part is likely to be met if the proposed school opens. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1)–34(1)(c)  The proprietor and the school leaders do not demonstrate sufficient knowledge and understanding to ensure that all of the required standards are likely to be met securely and consistently. For example, the proprietor has not ensured that those with responsibility for leadership and management have the capacity to develop a suitable

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Main inspection findings

curriculum and carry out their roles effectively. In addition, the proprietor has not ensured that the school is likely to fulfil its responsibilities to promote the safeguarding and well-being of pupils.  The standard in this part is unlikely to be met if the proposed school opens. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor has ensured that there is a suitable accessibility plan that meets the requirements of paragraph 3 of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school is unlikely to meet the requirements of the schedule to The Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 ('the independent school standards') and associated requirements, as set out in the annex of this report.

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Proposed school details

This inspection was carried out under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school's likely compliance with the independent school standards that are required for registration as an independent school.

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Proposed school details

Type of school Other independent special school

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £65,000 to £96,000

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n

Age range of pupils Not applicable 7 to 16 7 to 16 Number of pupils on the school roll Not applicable 32 32

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School's current position School's proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age Not applicable 32

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of part-time pupils Not applicable 0

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities Not applicable 32

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School's current position School's proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan Not applicable 32

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School's current position School's proposal

Of which, number of pupils paid for by a local authority with an education, health and care plan Not applicable 32

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff Not applicable 10

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff Not applicable 2

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision Not applicable 6

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is located in premises at Essex House, Bridle Road, Bootle. Merseyside, L30 4XS.  It is proposed that the school will provide full-time education for up to 32 mixed-gender pupils, aged between seven and 16 years. It is intended that the proposed school will cater for pupils who are struggling to cope in mainstream school.  The proprietor intends to cater for pupils with SEND. The school will provide for pupils with a range of needs including social, emotional and mental health needs and autism spectrum disorder. These pupils will have an EHC plan.  The proprietor does not intend to use any alternative provision.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) to determine if the school is likely to meet the independent school standards if the DfE decides to approve the request to register this school.  This was the school’s first pre-registration inspection.  The inspector held discussions with the chair of the proprietor body, the headteacher, the deputy headteacher and the chair of the governing body.  The inspector completed a tour of the school to check the suitability of the proposed premises against the relevant standards. She also looked at a wide range of documents and policies, including those related to the curriculum, behaviour and health and safety. The inspector checked documents relating to safeguarding.

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Inspection team

Amanda Downing, lead inspector His Majesty's Inspector

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if- – 2(1)(a) the proprietor ensures that a written policy on the curriculum, supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, which provides for the matters specified in sub-paragraph (2) is drawn up and implemented effectively; and – 2(1)(b) the written policy, plans and schemes of work- – 2(1)(b)(i) take into account the ages, aptitudes and needs of all pupils, including those pupils with an EHC plan; and – 2(2)(e) for pupils receiving secondary education, access to accurate, up-to-date careers guidance that- – 2(2)(e)(i) is presented in an impartial manner; – 2(2)(e)(ii) enables them to make informed choices about a broad range of career options; and – 2(2)(e)(iii) helps to encourage them to fulfil their potential.  2A(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor- – 2A(1)(d) in making arrangements for the purposes of paragraphs (a), (b) or (c), has

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

regard to any guidance under section 80A of the Education Act 2002 that applies in relation to the provision of education by maintained schools, – 2A(1)(f) consults parents of registered pupils at the school before making or revising a statement under sub-paragraph (e), and – 2A(1)(g) publishes a copy of the statement on a website and provides a copy of the statement free of charge to anyone who asks for one. – 2A(2) Arrangements made by the proprietor for the purposes of sub-paragraph (1)(b) must ensure that where a pupil's parent requests that the pupil is wholly or partly excused from sex education provided as part of relationships and sex education, the pupil is so excused until the request is withdrawn, unless or to the extent that the head teacher considers that the pupil should not be so excused.  3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school-

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

– 3(a) enables pupils to acquire new knowledge and make good progress according to their ability so that they increase their understanding and develop their skills in the subjects taught; – 3(b) fosters in pupils self-motivation, the application of intellectual, physical and creative effort, interest in their work and the ability to think and learn for themselves; – 3(c) involves well planned lessons and effective teaching methods, activities and management of class time; – 3(d) shows a good understanding of the aptitudes, needs and prior attainments of the pupils, and ensures that these are taken into account in the planning of lessons; – 3(e) demonstrates good knowledge and understanding of the subject matter being taught.

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 7 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 7(a) arrangements are made to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at the school; and – 7(b) such arrangements have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

 18(2) The standard in this paragraph is met if- – 18(2)(b) no such person carries out work, or intends to carry out work, at the school in contravention of a prohibition order, an interim prohibition order, or any direction made under section 128 of the 2008 Act or section 142 of the 2002 Act, or any disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in either such direction; – 18(2)(c) the proprietor carries out appropriate checks to confirm in respect of each such person- – 18(2)(c)(ii) the person's medical fitness; – 18(2)(e) in the case of any person for whom, by reason of that person living or having lived outside the United Kingdom, obtaining such a certificate is not sufficient to establish the person's suitability to work in a school, such further checks are made as the proprietor considers appropriate, having regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State; and

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

– 18(3) The checks referred to in sub-paragraphs (2)(c) and (except where sub- paragraph (4) applies) (2)(e) must be completed before a person's appointment.  20(6) The standard in this paragraph is met in relation to an individual ("MB"), not being the Chair of the school, who is a member of a body of persons corporate or unincorporate named as the proprietor of the school in the register or in an application to enter the school in the register, if- – 20(6)(a) MB- – 20(6)(a)(i) is not barred from regulated activity relating to children in accordance with section 3(2) of the 2006 Act where that individual is or will be engaging in activity which is regulated activity within the meaning of Part 1 of Schedule 4 of that Act; and – 20(6)(a)(ii) does not carry out work, or intend to carry out work, at the school in contravention of a prohibition order, an interim prohibition order, or any direction made

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

under section 128 of the 2008 Act or section 142 of the 2002 Act or any disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in either such direction; – 20(6)(b) subject to sub-paragraphs (7) to (8), the Chair of the school makes the following checks relating to MB- – 20(6)(b)(i) where relevant to the individual, an enhanced criminal record check; – 20(6)(b)(ii) checks confirming MB's identity and MB's right to work in the United Kingdom; and – 20(6)(b)(iii) where, by reason of MB's living or having lived outside the United Kingdom, obtaining an enhanced criminal record certificate is not sufficient to establish MB's suitability to work in a school, such further checks as the Chair of the school considers appropriate, having regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.  21(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor keeps a register which shows such of the information referred to in sub-paragraphs (3) to (7) as is applicable

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

to the school in question. – 21(2) The register referred to in sub-paragraph (1) may be kept in electronic form, provided that the information so recorded is capable of being reproduced in legible form. – 21(3) The information referred to in this sub-paragraph is- – 21(3)(a) in relation to each member of staff ("S") appointed on or after 1st May 2007, whether- – 21(3)(a)(iii) a check was made to establish whether S is subject to any direction made under section 128 of the 2008 Act or section 142 of the 2002 Act or any disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in such a direction; – 21(3)(a)(viii) checks were made pursuant to paragraph 18(2)(e), – 21(3)(b) in relation to each member of staff ("S"), whether a check was made to establish whether S is subject to a prohibition order or an interim prohibition order, including the date on which such check was completed. – 21(6) the information referred to in this sub-paragraph is, in relation to each member

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Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors

(“MB”) of a body of persons named as the proprietor appointed on or after 1st May 2007, whether the checks referred to in paragraph 20(6)(b) were made, the date they were made and the date on which the resulting certificate was obtained.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

 34(1) The standard about the quality of leadership and management is met if the proprietor ensures that persons with leadership and management responsibilities at the school- – 34(1)(a) demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently; – 34(1)(b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently; and – 34(1)(c) actively promote the well-being of pupils. guidance 'Raising concerns and making a complaint about Ofsted', which is available from Ofsted's website: www.gov.uk/government/publications/complaints-about-ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Parent View You can use Parent View to give Ofsted your opinion on your child's school. Ofsted will use the information parents and carers provide when deciding which schools to inspect and when and as part of the inspection.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

You can also use Parent View to find out what other parents and carers think about schools in England. You can visit www.parentview.ofsted.gov.uk , or look for the link on the main Ofsted website: www.gov.uk/ofsted .

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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